Hon. Lugard Osuji, Majority Leader Emeritus of the Imo State House of Assembly, has rejected the Imo Charter of Equity.
He described the charter as a recipe for lazy politicians, and does not promote healthy political competition.
Osuji stated that only a free and fair election would ensure the enthronement of a capable person from any of the three zones to be elected as governor of the State in 2027.
He made this known in an exclusive interview with INNONEWS in Owerri.
According to Osuji, the Charter was formulated for political reasons and lacks the legal firepower to bar anyone from the three geo-political zones in the State from contesting the Imo Governoship election.
He stated, “It is not constitutional, and there is nowhere in the Constitution that anyone, as long as he or she is qualified, is barred from contesting the election.”
Osuji said he does not believe in zoning, stating that it breeds mediocrity.
“Zoning is not ideal. Free and fair election is very important. All those who are advocating for Charter of Equity should channel their energy to promote the need for a free and fair election in Imo State,” he said.
He added, “Anyone who is qualified from any of the three zones, Owerri, Okigwe, and Orlu, should contest for the governorship.”
Osuji further stated, “Even if the next governor after Hope Uzodimma is from Orlu zone and has the mandate of the people by winning a free and fair Governorship election, he should be allowed to govern the State.”
He emphasized that hunger and insecurity do not recognize zoning, and Imo State has those with the capacity to prosper the State across the three Zones.
Osuji urged Governor Hope Uzodimma to give a level playing ground for all those who want to contest for governorship from the three zones.
Reacting to a question that Imo State should not be an exception to the South East in implementing Charter of Equity, Osuji said Imo State is unique and peculiar.
He explained that what works in other states may not work in Imo State, and the State’s peculiarities should be considered.
Osuji also addressed the quest by Owerri zone to produce the next governor, stating that their lack of unity and organization has made the governorship elusive to the zone, despite having qualified individuals.
He advised Owerri zone to engage in proper negotiation if they intend to capture power in 2027, as no zone can produce a governor of the State alone.
‘No zone in Imo State can produce governor alone. Its about negotiation. Owerri Zone should brace up and stop weeping” he said.
